Michal Berkner is a name that resonates in the world of corporate law, particularly within the high-stakes world of mergers and acquisitions (M&A). As a partner at Baker McKenzie, one of the world’s leading law firms, she has carved a niche for herself as an expert in advising clients on complex, cross-border transactions, with a particular focus on the biopharmaceutical and deep tech sectors.
Early Life and Education
Born in April 1973, Michal Berkner’s early years remain relatively private, but her academic achievements have been well-documented. She pursued higher education in the United States, where she earned a law degree from the prestigious University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School, a leading institution for legal education. Prior to law school, she attended Johns Hopkins University, where she developed a strong academic foundation that would serve her well throughout her career. Her dual educational background—one rooted in U.S. legal tradition and the other in science and technology—has equipped her with the unique perspective needed to handle the challenges of advising on deals in the high-tech and life sciences industries.
Michal Berkner A Storied Legal Career
Berkner’s career trajectory has been nothing short of impressive. She began her legal journey at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, a law firm renowned for handling some of the most complex and high-profile corporate deals. It was here that she honed her skills in M&A law, working on high-value transactions that spanned multiple jurisdictions and industries.
After her tenure at Skadden, Berkner moved to Cooley LLP, where she continued to build her expertise in cross-border M&A and public takeovers. She worked on various strategic transactions for multinational corporations, gaining a reputation as one of the top lawyers in her field.
In 2018, she joined McDermott Will & Emery, where she further strengthened her focus on life sciences, healthcare, and technology transactions. However, in 2025, Berkner made a significant move to Baker McKenzie, where she currently serves as a partner and leads the EMEA Biopharma and Deep Tech Transactions practice. This role places her at the forefront of advising on critical mergers, acquisitions, and joint ventures within the high-growth sectors of biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and cutting-edge technology.
Berkner’s expertise in these industries is backed by a deep understanding of the regulatory and financial landscapes, making her a go-to advisor for clients navigating complex legal and business challenges.
Michal Berkner Notable Transactions
Throughout her career, Berkner has been involved in some of the largest and most significant transactions in her field. Among the deals that stand out in her career are:
- Baylis Medical’s $1.75 billion sale to Boston Scientific: A pivotal transaction in the medical devices sector, which saw a major company in the space being acquired by a global leader in healthcare.
- VectivBio’s $1.2 billion acquisition by Ironwood: This deal highlighted her expertise in the biotechnology sector, advising on a high-value acquisition that enhanced Ironwood’s portfolio of life-saving therapies.
- Therachon’s $900 million sale to Pfizer: Another landmark transaction, this deal underscored Berkner’s proficiency in navigating large-scale acquisitions within the biopharmaceutical industry.
- Nokia’s acquisition of Alcatel-Lucent for $17 billion: One of the largest deals in the tech sector, this transaction demonstrated Berkner’s ability to handle the intricacies of mergers in the global technology market.
Michal Berkner Personal Life: A Glimpse Beyond the Legal World
Away from the courtroom, Michal Berkner’s life is deeply intertwined with that of her husband, Robert Jenrick, a prominent British Conservative politician. The couple, who have been married for several years, share three children. Berkner’s relationship with Jenrick has brought her into the public eye, though she continues to maintain a relatively low profile outside of her professional accomplishments.
Her role as the spouse of a prominent politician has also placed Berkner in the media spotlight. Jenrick, who has held several ministerial positions in the UK government, has made headlines for his political career, but Berkner’s own accomplishments as a corporate lawyer have firmly established her as a leading figure in the legal community.
Berkner’s heritage is also noteworthy; she is of Israeli descent and is of the Jewish faith. Her background reflects her strong cultural ties, and she has spoken on numerous occasions about the importance of diversity and inclusion, both in the legal field and beyond. Her fluency in several languages, including Hebrew, English, and French, further enhances her ability to navigate international legal transactions and build relationships with clients from around the globe.
Recognition and Influence in the Legal World
Throughout her career, Berkner has received numerous accolades for her work. She is recognized as one of the top corporate lawyers in Europe, regularly ranking among the most influential female lawyers in global legal directories. Her expertise in high-value M&A, regulatory issues, and strategic corporate transactions has made her a trusted advisor to a host of multinational corporations, private equity firms, and other high-profile clients.
She has also made a significant contribution to thought leadership in the legal space, frequently contributing articles and insights on the future of M&A, corporate governance, and the evolving legal landscapes in tech and life sciences.
Michal Berkner Legacy and Future
As Michal Berkner continues to lead the EMEA Biopharma and Deep Tech Transactions practice at Baker McKenzie, her influence in the legal world is set to grow even further. Her deep industry knowledge, combined with her strategic vision and expertise in handling complex cross-border deals, ensures that she will remain a leading figure in M&A for years to come.
Her legacy, both as a trailblazer for women in law and as a force in corporate transactions, is already secure. Looking ahead, Berkner’s career will undoubtedly continue to inspire the next generation of lawyers striving for excellence in the world of corporate law.
Conclusion
Michal Berkner’s impressive career is a testament to her expertise, perseverance, and ability to navigate the challenges of corporate law in an ever-evolving global market. With her deep understanding of M&A law, combined with her personal commitment to professional excellence, she has become a trusted advisor to leading global companies. As she continues to shape the future of corporate law, her impact will resonate across industries for years to come.
Whether advising on high-profile M&A transactions or balancing her personal life with the demands of a high-powered legal career, Berkner remains a defining figure in the legal profession, blending success with integrity.